Aloha Summer & Great Coffee

May 27, 2011|by Brandi Goodin

Memorial Day is just a few days away. Many of you will be celebrating the holiday with BBQs, picnics and vacations. In fact, Memorial Day often marks the beginning of summer vacation season in the United States. If your summer travel plans take you to Hawaii, well lucky you, but while you are there you may want to stop by Honolulu Coffee Co. Why? To tell the best barista in the United States good luck at the World Barista Championship! Pete Licata from Honolulu Coffee Co., won the title of 2011 United States Barista Champion at the US Barista Championship competition held in conjunction with the SCAA Expo in Houston on April 28-May 1. The competition challenged baristas from around the country to prepare and serve 12 espresso based beverages in the span of 15 minutes. Four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature drinks. Competitors displayed exceptional skill and professionalism as they remained cool, calm and collected. Not only did each barista prepare and serve 12 beverages, but each delivered detailed explanations of the different beverages.

In the end, only one barista could win the title of 2011 US Barista Champion. Congratulations to Pete Licata from Honolulu Coffee Co. Pete Licata now travels to Bogota, Colombia on June 2-5 to represent the United States at the World Barista Championship. Good Luck!

Curious where the top 6 baristas from the United States Barista Championship work in the United States?